Horizontal metal-working machine

ABSTRACT

A metal-working machine adapted for performing a plurality of operations, including bending, straightening or punching metal shapes. The machine, briefly, consists of a horizontal loadbearing frame with an upstanding head stock at one end of the frame and a bolster member at the other end for carrying anvils, female die or other cooperative metal working elements. The frame carries a work supporting bed such that horizontal oriented metal shapes are horizontally carried between the head stock and the bolster. An hydraulic cylinder is supported by the head stock and actuates a ram or other metal working tool to engage the metal shape and exert pressure on the work in the direction of the bolster to cooperate with the appropriate metal working element carried by the bolster. The head stock is provided with controls for varying the vertical placement of the horizontal hydraulic cylinder. The bolster supports the cooperative metal working element such that it can be moved along the bolster to proper cooperative position with the metal element actuated by the horizontal ram.

ABSTRACT 9 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures A metal-working machine adapted for performing a plurality of operations, including bending, straightening or punching metal shapes. The machine, briefly, consists of a horizontal load-bearing frame with an upstanding head stock at one end of the frame and a bolster member at the other end for carrying anvils, female die or other cooperative metal working elements. The frame carries a work supporting bed such that horizontal oriented metal shapes are horizontally carried betweenthe head stock and the bolster. An hydraulic cylinder is supported by the head stock and actuates a ram or other metal working tool to engage the metal shape and exert pressure on the work in the direction of the bolster to cooperate with the appropriate metal working element carried by-the bolster. The head stock is provided with controls for varying the vertical placement of the horizontal hydraulic cylinder. The bolster supports the cooperative metal working element such that it can be moved along the bolster to proper cooperative position with the metal element actuated by the horizontal ram.

United States Patent [1 1 Jepson HORIZONTAL METAL-WORKING MACHINE [75] Inventor: Robert M. Jepson, Phoenix,

Ariz.

[73] Assignee: Ramsey Steel Company, lnc., .l

Paso, Tex.

Feb. 9

App]. No.: 224,668

[22] Filed:

oo o HM M5345 3 ,3 8 38 2 9 8 9 B m8 2 "B 7 m 4 n" 4 "u 2 u 7 mm me n a d m .I- m U IF .I. 11] 2 8 5 55 l. [.l.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS ohn A. Robertson Pmmmwc 7 nan 3.750.454

I SHEEI10F4 PATENTEB AUG 7 I975 SHEET 2 BF 4 MNV AN kN RV a V l Q F 0m 0 vm Wm km kn mv Mm mm h km R mv V? N a J mm Ill. i mm mm 3 NM Mm 9m \m HORIZONTAL METAL-WORKING MACHINE This invention relates to a metal-working machine.

More specifically, this invention concerns a metal working machine adapted for performing a plurality of operations such as bending, straightening, or punching, etc.

Still another aspect of the invention relates to a novel machine in which the work is supported in generally vertical disposition be a horizontal frame having means to carry the work between the cooperating elements such as a ram-anvils or a punch -die combination of machine working elements.

In a still further aspect, the invention provides for accurately positioning and aligning the metal working elements so as to insure that the metal work piece is accurately bent, straightened, punched or indented as requirements of the particular metal working operations dictate.

In the past, it has been common practice to provide a single machine capable of performing only one particular metal working function. Such machines are usually quite large and expensive. Thus, in order to acquire the necessary machinery for performing a plurality of different operations, it was necessary to purchase several different machines.

Also, the prior machines ordinarily performed the metal working operation with the work'located in a horizontal plane which made them cumbersome to operate and, especially in the case of heavy metal plates,

required additional auxiliary equipment to properly position the work within the machine such as by means of g a crane or other type of heavy-duty materials-handling equipment.

Accordingly, it would be highly desirable to provide a metal working machine which performs a plurality of functions depending upon the nature of the job to be accomplished. It would be also highly desirable to provide a machine in which the cooperative metal working elements could be aligned and positioned so as to accurately perform the desired metal working operation. Furthermore, it would be desirable to provide a metal working machine in which the task of emplacing the metal work in its proper position is simplified and in which the necessity for accessory emplacement equipment is minimized.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a metal working machine which performs a plurality of functions dependent upon the nature of the job to be accomplished.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a metal working machine in which the cooperative metal working elements could be aligned and positioned so as to accurately perform the desired metal working operation.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a metal working machine in which the task is emplacing the metal work in its proper position is simplitied and in which the necessity for accessory emplacement equipment is minimized.

These and other, further and more specific objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description thereof, taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a metal working machine constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention and chosen for purposes of illustration thereof;

FIG. 2 is an elevation view in section taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1 and specifically illustrating an embodiment of the machine when adapted for metal bending operations;

FIG. 3 is an elevation view in section corresponding to the view of FlG. 2 and specifically illustrating an embodiment of the machine when adapted for metal punching operations; and

FIG. 4 is a partial plan view of the metal workingmachine of FIG. 3.

Briefly, to accomplish the desired objectives of my present invention in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, l first provide a load-bearing frame having a substantially horizontal base with a head end and a foot end. An upstanding head stock is supported from the head end and a bolster is supported at the foot end. A work piece supporting bed for supporting horizontally oriented work pieces is carried by the frame between the head stock and the bolster. A horizontal hydraulic cylinder is supported by the head stock. The

work piece at optional positions against the force of the metal working head.

More specifically, the lead-bearing frame is preferably constructed from parallel vertical side panels reinforced by a base plate and end plates to maintain alignment between the side panels. The horizontal hydraulic cylinder is carried within the head stock portion between the side panels. End cover plates on the horizontal hydraulic cylinder engage over the front and rear vertical edges of the head stock and are slidable therewith to permitthe horizontal hydraulic cylinder to move vertically within the head stock and maintain alignment therewith. In a preferred simplified embodiment, the horizontal hydraulic cylinder is controllably moved in the vertical direction by a vertical hydraulic cylinder affixed at the lower end thereof to the base plate and having the upper end of the actuating rod therefrom engaged with the underside of the horizontal hydraulic cylinder.

The bolster has a vertically standing horizontal elongate face plate suitably reinforced by ribs and other panels to withstand the force generated by the horizontal hydraulic cylinder. A rail carried proximate the upper edge of the face of the bolster supports one or more anvils. Each anvil has a guide roller arrangement to carry the anvil along the length of the bolster. The work pieces, generally oversized, exceedingly heavy structural steel members, are inserted into the machine between the head stock and bolster by an overhead crane or other similar materials-handling machinery. In a preferred embodiment, the work support bed comprises a pair of rollers rotatable about parallel horizontal axes to facilitate longitudinal movement of the work piece during the metal working operations. Appropriate metal working heads are detachably carried by the free end of the ram of the horizontal hydraulic cylinder.

The anvils are selectively positioned along the bolster to support the work piece at spacing relative to the metal working head and to the other anvil as determined by the instant work application. Wide spacing of i the anvils would appropriately be used for bending slight radii in the work piece or removing slight bows induced by previous metal working operations performed upon the work piece. Relatively close spacing between the anvils is useful in removing kinks from the work piece or bending relatively small radii. The controlled variance of the spacing between the work sup porting bed and the metal working head provides for suitable metal working operations upon the various heights of work pieces, or, alternately, exerting pressure upon the upper or lower edge of the work piece to induce or remove warps.

ln a more sophisticated embodiment, the vertical hydraulic cylinder is replaced by an accurately advancing screw thread, preferably of Acme design, engaged with a mating nut carried by a support bracket on the underside of the horizontal hydraulic cylinder. A removable anvil, slidable in vertical guides upon the face of the bolster, is similarly engaged with a vertical threaded shaft having the same lead as the threaded shaft employed in connection with the horizontal hydraulic cylinder. Each vertical threaded shaft is suitably journaled and supported by pillow blocks against one side panel of the frame. Synchronized rotation of the vertical shafts is accomplished by a driven horizontal shaft supported by pillow blocks in the base of the machine and having worm gears thereon which engage worm wheels keyed to each vertical shaft. The movable anvil carries a die holder supporting a female die at the free end thereof. A punch holder supporting a punch mateable with the die replaces the metal working head at the end of the ram. A stripper, co-axial with the punch, is carried by the forward end plate of the horizontal hydraulie cylinder. In this configuration the machine is capable of punchingholes of varying shapes in accordance with the configuration with the punch and die at selective positions in the work piece. As the work piece is moved along the work supporting bed, the punch and die are moved vertically at selective spacing to the work support bed to perform punching operations at random selective locations.

Optionally, to perform various tasks, the die holder supporting anvil may be removed from the face of the bolster and the first anvils replaced upon the guide rail, and, concurrently, the punch holder and stripper arrangement removed from the horizontal hydraulic cylinder and replaced with the appropriate metal working head.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the metal working machine of my present invention is especially adapted for handling oversized structural steel pieces which are readily movable by overhead type heavy-duty materials-handling equipment, such as overhead cranes or boom-type cranes, normally employed in the trade. The machinehereinafter described in further detail is simply yet ruggedly constructed to exert working pressures in the range of 125 tons. It will also be appreciated that the machine can perform a variety of operations such as bending, straightening or punching oversized work pieces heretofore not accomplished by a single machine.

Turning now to the drawings in which the same reference numerals indicate corresponding elements throughout the several views, attention is now directed to FIG. 1 which is a perspective view of the metal working machine of the present invention chosen for purposes of illustrating the preferred embodiment thereof. First provided is a load-bearing frame generally designated by the reference character 20 fabricated from parallel side panels 21 and 22. To withstand working pressures in the range of tons, the side panels 21 and 22 are preferably constructed of boiler plate or other similar structural metal approximately 4 inches thick. The frame is generally U shaped, having a lower substantially horizontal base portion 23 with a head end 24 and a foot end 27, which are better illustrated in FIG. 2. A horizontal base plate 28 welded to the underside of the base portion of each side panel 21 and 22 provides a footing for the frame 20, and maintains the spacial relationship at the lower portion of the side panels.

A head stock 29 extends upwardly from the head end 24 of the frame. A cover plate 30 is affixed by welding or other suitable fastening means across the upper ends of the head stock portion of the side panels as reinforcement for the purpose of maintaining the spacial relationship between said side panels. A double-acting horizontal hydraulic cylinder 31 carrying a pistondriven ram 32 is housed within the head stock 29. Rectangular end caps 33 and 34 on the horizontal hydraulic cylinder 31 are slidable between the side panels 21 and 22. The parallel sides of the end caps 33 and 34 are machined to act as bearing guides for the horizontal hydraulic cylinder to prevent rotation or side-=to-side movement thereof. Afront plate 37, secured to the front end cap 33 by bolts 38, stabilizes the horizontal hydraulic cylinder 31 against the inner edge 39 of the head stock 29. It is to be understood that the edge 39 of the frame 20 is a pair of parallel faces formed by each side panel 21 and 22. The end plate 37 absorbs pressures generated by the ram 32 during extension. Similarly, a rear end plate 40, secured to the rear end cap 34 by bolts 41, overlap the outer edge 42 of the head stock 29 to stabilize the horizontal hydraulic cylinder 31 during retraction of the ram 32. A vertically disposed hydraulic cylinder 43 is secured at the lower end 44 thereof to a clevis 47 carried by the base plate 28. A piston rod 48 actuated by the vertical hydraulic cylinder 43 supports a second clevis 49 at the upper end 50 thereof. A flange 51 depending from the horizontal hydraulic cylinder 31 pivot/ally engages the clevis 49. The vertical hydraulic cylinder 43 is singleacting, wherein hydraulic fluid underpressure entering through the conduit 52 forces the horizontal hydraulic cylinder 31 upwardly within the head stock 29. When the hydraulic pressure is relaxed, the weight of the horizontal hydraulic cylinder 31causes it to fall at a gradual rate of descent by expelling the hydraulic fluid from the vertical hydraulic cylinder 43 through the conduit 52. A remote manual control valve not herein specifically shown, can be employed to stopthe introduction or explusion of hydraulic fluid from the vertical hydraulic cylinder 43 to controllably position the horizontal hydraulic cylinder 31 at any desired elevation.

Hollow cylindrical guides 53 and 54 suitably journaled for linear movement within the guide bushings 57 and 58 respectively further stabilize the vertical displacement of the horizontal hydraulic cylinder 31. Each of the hollow cylindrical guides 53 and 54 is threadedly engaged at its upper end with one of the hydraulic ports of the double-acting horizontal hydraulic cylinder 31. A hydraulic line 59 is affixed to the lower end of the hollow cylinder 53 and a similar hydraulic line 60 is secured to the hollow cylindrical guide 54 to conduct hydraulic fluid therethrou'gh to activate the ram 32 under pressure alternately during extension or retraction.

A bolster 61, constructed generally analogously to the headstock 29, extends upwardly from the rear of the frame 20. Upright side panesl 62 and 63 integral with the side panels 21 and 22 extend upwardly from the foot end 21 of the base portion 23. A horizontal elongate vertically standing steel plate 64 is welded or otherwise suitably affixed to the inner edges of the upright bolster panels 62 and 63 and extends an appropriate length horizontally from each side panel. In accordance with the general metal working requirements of the machine of my present invention, the bolster is approximately 12 feet in length, whereas the spacing between the side panels 21 and 22 is approximately inches. A generally rectangular end plate 67 is similarly welded or otherwise suitably affixed to the back side of the end plates 21 and 22. Inwardly directed'vertical panels 68 and 69 extend from the rectangular panel 67 .to end panels 70 and 71 which are affixed atone edge thereof to the ends of the inwardly directed panels 68 and 69 and at the othervertical edge thereof to the elongate panel 64. Appropriately sized and spaced upstanding rib panels 72 are affixed at one vertical edge thereof to the elongate panel 64 and at the other vertical edge thereof to the appropriate inwardly directed panel 68 or 69 to support the elongate panel 64 and assure a rigid bolster face 73. Upright columns 74 secured at the lower end thereof to the base plate 28 and along a portion of the upper end thereof to the side panels 70 and 71 add further rigidity to the bolster face 73.

A further space maintaining and strengthening plate 77 is secured to each side panel 21 and 22 proximate the top of the base portion 23 thereof. A work supporting bed is disposed immediately above the base portion 21.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of my invention and to facilitate longitudinal movement of excessively heavy structural steel shapes, I construct my work supporting bed of a pair of rollers 78 and 79. The rollers 78 and 79 are suitably journaled at each end thereof, one to the side panel 21 and the other to the side panel 22, for rotation about a horizontal axis. The axis of rotation of each roller lies in a vertical plane to support the work piece horizontally with respect to the ground level and vertically with respect to the machine frame 20. A rail 80 substantially the length of the bol-' ster is rigidly affixed proximate the upper edge of the panel 64 to the side panels 21 and 22, the end panels 70 and 71, and the support ribs 72. For adequate strength, I have determined that this rail may be suitably fabricated from standard wall cylindrical tubing of approximately 4 inches outside diameter. A pair of anvils 81' and 82 are supported by the bolster such that each anvil is independently movable and positionable along the length of the bolster. Anvils 81 and 82 are structurally analogous and only one, anvil 81, will be herein described in detail.

The generally box-like anvil 81 comprises a pair of spaced upright rectangular side panels 83 and 84 to which are suitably fastened a generally rectangular rear panel to the rear vertical edges thereof and a similar front panel 87 which forms the working face of the anvil. A top panel 88 is affixed to the upper edges of the panels 83, 84, 85 and 87. A top panel 88 extends rearwardly of the anvil terminating with a downwardly angled portion 89 of the opposite side of the rail to encompass the rail 80 between the angled extension 89 and the rear panel of the anvil. First-roller guide means consisting of a pair of frusto-conical rollers 90,

disposed for rolling contact along the top of the rail 80vv and carried by the top panel 88, support the weight of the anvil. A second roller guide comprising a similar frusto-conical roller 91 rotatable about a vertical axis contacts the guide rail 80 below the longitudinal axis thereof on-the side opposed to the anvil and is supported by the angled portion 89. The frusto-conical roller 91 stabilizes the anvil 81 as it advances along the rail 80. A third roller guide supports the anvil 81 in a slightly spaced relation to the face 73 of the bolster to eliminate friction therebetween as the anvil is positioned along the bolster. The third roller guide is recessed within a C-shaped channel member 92 carried within the anvil 81 and secured to the rear panel85. similar C-shaped structure 93 slidably disposed for horizontal movement within the larger C-shaped structure 92 carries a cylindrical roller 94 rotatable about a vertical axis. A compression spring 97, having its ends bearing against the uprightportions of the two C-shaped members 92 and 93, abuts the roller 94 against thefacd 73 of the bolster 61 with sufficient force to. maintain a slight spacial relationship therebetween.

A metal working head herein shown as a male bending die 98 is detachably secured to the forward end of the ram 32 and stabilized against rotation by a guide plate 99- which fits closely between the head stock upright panel portions of the side panels 21 and. 22. As the ram moves forward under pressure, the metalworking head 98 contacts the structural work piece to be acted upon and this pressure is transferred to the anvil 8,1. This pressure overcomes the biasing spring 78 having the lower edge of the anvil 81 against the face 73 of the bolster 61, and concurrently forces the frusto-conical rollers slightly upward and rearward upon therail 80 until the rear panel 85 of the anvil 81 is insubstantially co-planar contact with the face 73 of the bolster 61'. Since the spacing between the anvil 8'1 and the bolster face 73 is very slight, and since the first roller guide means are carried proximate the top of the rail 80, the upward movement of the anvil 81, while being pressed against the bolster 61, is negligible and provides no interferencewith the work to be performed. An eye 100, afiixed to the upper plate of the anvil 81, facilitates attachment of a hook from an overhead crane or other suitable lifting device for advancing the anvil 81 along the rail 80 until the anvil has cleared the end of the rail and may be lifted from the metal working machine.

The foregoing detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the metal working machine of the instant application describes a machine especially adapted for straightening or bending large structural steel components such as girders and eye beams. The horizontal actuating machine having an upper vertical opening above the work supporting bed facilitates the placement of the oversized'work pieces by an overhead crane or other suitable heavy duty materials-handling equipment. The anvils may be spaced alongthe bolster at any selective position relative to each other and to the material working head to facilitate bends of various degrees of radii. Similar spacing requirements are also necessary for straightening work pieces, such as frames that have warped due to welding. In simple straightening or bending tasks, the metal working head will commonly be vertically adjusted by the vertical hydraulic cylinder to abut the structure squarely against the arivils. To induce or remove a warp or twist, the metal working head may be raised or lowered to exert pressure against the work piece at the upper or lower edge thereof. For simple cold heading operations, a single anvil may be positioned along the bolster directly opposite the ram and the ram fitted with an especially contoured working head.

In a manner analogous to cold heading operations, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the machine could embody a modified anvil to hold a female die and adapt the ram to become a punch holder. In this configuration, however, a horizontal alignment between the punch and the die become quite critical. This degree of precise alignment cannot be maintained by the previously described vertical hydraulic cylinder. Further, itmay be desirable to raise and lower the die in unison with the punch to perform punching operations atvarious vertical positions along the work piece. The previously described preferred embodiment is readily adaptable'to incorporating features necessary for punching operations without interfering with the highly desirable metal bending and straightening features.

FIGS. 3 and 4 specifically disclose and describe in detail a variation of the preferred embodiment hereinbefore described, especially adapted for metal punching operations while retaining the ability to perform straightening and bending tasks.

As will be noted in the drawings, the modifications herein incorporate the same load-bearing frame generally designated by the reference character 20 fabricated from parallel side panels 21 and 22 to form the same frame specifically illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 and described in detail in connection therewith. A dishshaped support bracket 107 depends from the horizontal hydraulic cylinder 31 to replace the flange 51. A nut 108, having a vertical axis female screw thread therethrough,-is affixed proximate the lower end of the support bracket 107. A gusset 109, shaped and sized to fit the interior cnntour of the support bracket 107, is welded thereto and similarly affixed to the underside of the horizontal hydraulic cylinder 31. While not specifically shown herein, a similar gusset may be disposed at right'angles to the gusset 107 for further rigidity of the support bracket. An elongate vertical shaft 110, having a screw flight 11 1 thereon, extends through and threadedly engages with the nut 108. To achieve strength and eliminate backlash between the screw flight 111 and the nut 108, it is preferable that the screw flight 111 be Acme-shaped threads. To accommodate the upper end of the shaft 110, an elongate aperture 112 is provided within the gusset 109.

A mounting plate 113 having spaced parallel vertical dove-tail slots 114 therein is removably secured to the steel plate 64 as by hex head cap screws 117. An especially adapted anvil 118 is vertically slidable upon the mounting plate 113 by means of spaced parallel dovetail ways 119 which engage with the dove-tail slots 114 in the face of the mounting plate 113. A second dishshaped support bracket 120, generally analogous to the support bracket 107, depends from the anvil 118. A nut 121 having a vertical axis female screw thread therethrough is welded or otherwise suitably'secured to the lower end of the support bracket 121. A gusset 122, shaped and sized to fit the interior contour of the support bracket 120, is welded thereto and similarly affixed to the underside of the anvil 118. A second alongate vertical shaft 123 having a screw flight 24 thereon extends through and threadedly engages with the nut 121. The arrangement hereintofore just described is similar in all respects to the corresponding arrangement described heretofore in connection with the horizontal hydraulic cylinder 31.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that if the screw flights 111 and 124 have the same lead or pitch.

and if synchronized during rotation, the horizontal hydraulic cylinder 31 and the anvil 118 may traverse vertically while maintaining a pre-determined horizontal alignment therebetween. To achieve synchronized rotation of the shafts and 123, each is journaled within a'bearing pillow block 127 secured to the side panel 21. Thrust bearings 128 carried by the base plate 28 receive the lower ends of the shafts 110 and 124 to support the weight of the horizontal hydraulic cylinder 31 and the anvil 118 respectively. Identical worm wheels 129 are axially aligned and keyed, pinned, or otherwise suitably secured, one to the shaft 1l0and one to the shaft 132-, between the bearing pillow block 127 and the thrust bearing 128. A horizontal shaft 130 is rotatably journaled and supported by hearing pillow blocks 131 affixed to the side panel 21. Upright braces 132 secured to the base plate 28 carrying thrust bearings 133 on the face thereof stabilize the shaft 130 against lateral movement. Identical wonn gears 134, aligned with the shaft and rotatable therewith, drivingly engage the worm wheels 129. An electric motor 137 is supported by the base plate 28. The drive shaft. 138 of the electric motor 137 rotates a driving sprocket 139 which rotates a driven sprocket 140 by a chain 141. The driven sprocket 140 is axially aligned and affixed to the shaft 130.

The electric motor 137 may be of fixed speed, variable speed, or gear-type. Since the driven sprocket 140 is'substantially larger than the driving sprocket 139, the shaft 130 rotates substantially slower than the drive shaft 138. Further reduction in the speed of rotation is accomplished as the worm gear 134 rotates the worm wheel 129. It is therefore apparent that the elongate threaded shafts 110 and 123 rotate at a speed relative to provide precise controlled vertical movementof the horizontal hydraulic cylinder 31 and'the anvil 118. To accomplish the actual punching operation, the metal working head 98 is removed from the end of the ram 32 and replaced by a punch holder 142 adapted to sup-' port interchangeable female punches here shown as a cylindrical punch 143. A mounting bracket 144 coaxial with the ram 32 is carried by the cap 37. A cylinder 147 threadedly engagesthe bracket 144 and acts as a stripper for the punch 143. As the punch 143 is sharpened by grinding the end thereof, and subsequently shortened, the stripper 147 may be advanced along its threaded engagement with the bracket 144 to provide the proper working depth for the punch 143. A die holder 148, carrying a female die 149 in the nose thereof, is carried at the free end of the anvil 118. An aperture 150 extending from the back side of the die 149 through the die holder 148 accommodates ejection of the punched slugs from the die 149.

While is it apparent that the die holder 148 may be an integral part of the anvil 118, or permanently affixed thereto, I prefer that the free end of the anvil 118 be provided with a vertical dove-tail slot Isl-which mates an appropriately contoured vertical dove-tail 152 integral with the rear end of the die holder 148. Slight vertical movement of the punch holder 148 relative the anvil 118 facilitates initial alignment with the punch 143 during set up. Thereafter the alignment between the die and the punch is maintained by the synchronized rotation between the shafts 110 and [-23 as hereinbefore described. As the structural steel work piece is moved horizontally along the work support bed, the punch and die arrangment may be controllably raised or lowered to perform punching operations at predetermined locations.

A micro-switch 153 carried by the gusset 109 detects the top of the shaft 1 10 as the horizontal hydraulic cylinder 31 is lowered, while a co-acting micro-switch 154 detects the top of the cylinder 31 as it is raised. These switches 153 and 154 communicate with the motor 137 to act as limit switches to prevent damage to any of the movable structure by exceeding the limits of vertical movement. The shaft 134 is spliced with a coupling 157 immediately above the bearing pillow block 127. Various suitable couplings are well known in the art. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of my present invention, I prefer a diametric slot extending across the upper end of the lower portion of the shaft 123, while a mating tang depends from the lower end of the upper portion of the shaft 123 and a pin extends therethrough to maintain the tang within the slot. To remove the anvil 118 from the metal working machine, the hook from a crane or other suitable lifting vehicle engages an eye similar to the eye 100. The pin in the coupling 157 is then removed and the anvil 118 lifted vertically upward until the dove-tail slots 114 are free of the dovetail ways 119. During removal of the anvil l 18 from the machine, the upper portion of the shaft 123 is removed therewith. After removing the die holder 148 and the stripper 147 from the ram 32, the bolts 117 are withdrawn to remove the mounting plate 113 from the face plate 64 of the bolster 61. The anvils 81 are then repositioned upon the bolster and the metal working head 98 re-affixed to the end of the ram 32. The metal working machine of the present invention is then in condition for bending or straightening operations as was heretofore described in specific detail in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2.

Having fully described and disclosedmy present invention in such clear and concise terms as to enable those skilled in the art to understand and practice the same,- I

I claim:

1. A machine adapted for performing controlled cold-metal working-operations upon structural steel work pieces and further adapted to permit the work piece to be inserted and removed from the machine vertically, said metal working machine comprising:

a. a load-bearing frame said frame including a substantially horizontal base having a head end and a foot end, a headstock upstanding from said head end, and a horizontally elongate bolster upstanding from said foot end;

b. a work piece supporting bed carried by said frame said bed disposed to support said work piece horizontally oriented between said head stock and said bolster and further disposed for horizontal translation of said work piece perpendicularly relative to said frame;

c. a horizontal actuating ram adapted to engage a metal-working head on the free end thereof carried by said headstock and cooperating with said bolster to exert pressure in the direction thereof;

d. means for controlling the vertical placement of said ram relative said work piece supporting bed, and

e. an anvil supported by said bolster an movable therealong said anvil disposed to support said work piece against the force of said ram.

2. The metal working machine of claim 1 including a pair of anvils movably supported by saidbolster.

3. The metal working machine of claim l including:

a. a rail supported by said bolster, and

b. said anvil movably carried by said rail and supported by said bolster against the pressure of said ram.

4. The metal working machine of claim 3 wherein said rail is tubular, and wherein said anvil is supported by a first roller guide rotatable about a horizontal'axis and movable along said tubular rail proximate the top thereof and a second roller guide rotatable about a vertical axis and contacting said tubular guide below the longitudinal axis thereof on the side opposed to said anvil.

5. The metal working machine of claim 4 further including a third roller guide rotatable about a vertical axis and carried proximate the lower end of said anvil abutting the face of said bolster, said roller guide biased to maintain said anvil in spaced relation to the face of said bolster wherein the pressure exerted by said ram overcomes the biasing of said third roller guide and displaces said first and said second roller guides generally horizontal with respect to said tubular guide to abut said anvil against said bolster.

6. The metal working machine of claim 1 including:

a. a punch holder removably affixed to the free end of said ram and capable of reciprocal movement therewith;

b. a die holder horizontally movably supported by said bolster in horizontal alignment with said punch holder, and

c. means for controlled vertical placement of said die holder in cooperation with means for controlled vertical placement of said ram relative said work piece supporting bed wherein said punch holder and said die holder are maintained in horizontal coaxial alignment.

- 7.The metal working machine of claim 6 wherein said means for controlled vertical placement of said ram and of said-die holder to permit said punch holder and said die holder to move horizontal relative said working supporting bed while maintaining horizontal co-axial alignment therebetween includes:

a. a first support bracket depending from said ram and havinga vertically disposed female screw thread carriedproximate the lower end thereof;

b. an elongate threaded shaft rotatable about a vertical axis and threadedly engaged with'said female screw thread carried by a first support bracket;

c. a second support bracket depending from said ram and having a vertically disposed female screw thread carried proximate the lower end thereof;

(1. a second elongate threaded shaft rotatable about a vertical axis and threadedly engaged with said second female screw thread carried by said second support bracket said first threaded engagement and said second threaded engagement having equal threaded pitch, and

e. means for synchronized rotation of said first and said second threaded shafts.

8. The metal working machine of claim 7 wherein said means for synchronized rotation of said threaded shafts include:

a. a first worm wheel axially aligned with said first shaft and in driving engagement therewith;

b. a second worm wheel, of equal pitch to said first said means for rotating said shaft to controllably limitvertical displacement of said punch holder and said die holder relative said work piece supporting bed.

i i i i i 

1. A machine adapted for performing controlled cold-metal working operations upon structural steel work pieces and further adapted to permit the work piece to be inserted and removed from the machine vertically, said metal working machine comprising: a. a load-bearing frame said frame including a substantially horizontal base having a head end and a foot end, a headstock upstanding from said head end, and a horizontally elongate bolster upstanding from said foot end; b. a work piece supporting bed carried by said frame said bed disposed to support said work piece horizontally oriented between said head stock and said bolster and further disposed for horizontal translation of said work piece perpendicularly relative to said frame; c. a horizontal actuating ram adapted to engage a metal-working head on the free end thereof carried by said headstock and cooperating with said bolster to exert pressure in the direction thereof; d. means for controlling the vertical placement of said ram relative said work piece supporting bed, and e. an anvil supported by said bolster an movable therealong said anvil disposed to support said work piece against the force of said ram.
 2. The metal working machine of claim 1 including a pair of anvils movably supported by said bolster.
 3. The metal working machine of claim 1 including: a. a rail supported by said bolster, and b. said anvil movably carried by said rail and supported by said bolster against the pressure of said ram.
 4. The metal working machine of claim 3 wherein said rail is tubular, and wherein said anvil is supported by a first roller guide rotatable about a horizontal axis and movable along said tubular rail proximate the top thereof and a second roller guide rotatable about a vertical axis and contacting said tubular guide below the longitudinal axis thereof on the side opposed to said anvil.
 5. The metal working machine of claim 4 further including a third roller guide rotatable about a vertical axis and carried proximate the lower end of said anvil abutting the face of said bolster, said roller guide biased to maintain said anvil in spaced relation to the face of said bolster wherein the pressure exerted by said ram overcomes the biasing of said third roller guide and displaces said first and said second roller guides generally horizontal with respect to said tubular guide to abut said anvil against said bolster.
 6. The metal working machine of claim 1 including: a. a punch holder removably affixed to the free end of said ram and capable of reciprocal movement therewith; b. a die holder horizontally movably supported by said bolster in horizontal alignment with said punch holder, and c. means for controlled vertical placement of said die holder in cooperation with means for controlled vertical placement of said ram relative said work piece supporting bed wherein said punch holder and said die holder are maintained in horizontal co-axial alignment.
 7. The metal working machine of claim 6 wherein said means for controlled vertical placement of said ram and of said die holder to permit said punch holder and said die holder to move horizontal relative said working supporting bed while maintaining horizontal co-axial alignment therebetween includes: a. a first support bracket depending from said ram and having a vertically disposed female screw thread carried proximate the lower end thereof; b. an elongate threaded shaft rotatable about a vertical axis and threadedly engaged with said female screw thread carried by a first support bracket; c. a second support bracket depending from said ram and having a vertically disposed female screw thread carried proximate the lower end thereof; d. a seCond elongate threaded shaft rotatable about a vertical axis and threadedly engaged with said second female screw thread carried by said second support bracket said first threaded engagement and said second threaded engagement having equal threaded pitch, and e. means for synchronized rotation of said first and said second threaded shafts.
 8. The metal working machine of claim 7 wherein said means for synchronized rotation of said threaded shafts include: a. a first worm wheel axially aligned with said first shaft and in driving engagement therewith; b. a second worm wheel, of equal pitch to said first worm wheel, axially aligned with said second shaft and in driving engagement therewith; c. a horizontal shaft journaled for rotation about its longitudinal axis; d. a first worm gear axially aligned with said shaft and rotatable therewith drivingly engaged with said first worm wheel; e. a second worm gear axially aligned with said shaft and rotatable therewith drivingly engaged with said second worm wheel; and f. means for rotating said shaft.
 9. The metal working machine of claim 8 including upper and lower limit switches communicating with said means for rotating said shaft to controllably limit vertical displacement of said punch holder and said die holder relative said work piece supporting bed. 